DON’T SHUN THE CANE! Cane Use Benefits Older Adults after Small Reduction in Visual Acuity

Dr. Massof’s Lecture – podcast

This link takes you to a fantastic and important lecture given by Dr. Robert Massof about a project that aims to increase the use of the long cane among older adults with visual impairments. He also reveals how Medicare is “blind” to those with low vision in their policy decisions.

Within this lecture Dr. Massof provides important statistics. For example, even a small decrease in visual acuity (VA) triples the rate of injury and death by trauma/accident in older adults.

NYVRA Gazette – Issue 1 of 1

My one and only newsletter – in memory of my mom, Moira Ambrose, who did so much for NY Vision Rehabilitation Professional licensure effort. I wish I could have done more while she was alive. She was more than just the widow of Stephen Ambrose – she was a very smart, insightful woman. I miss her so. Today is her 71st birthday.

NYVRA Gazette

The risks associated with vision loss in adulthood have long been known

Mobility is also usually affected by visual impairment in late adulthood. There is a strong relationship between impaired vision and increased risk of accidents, particularly falls (Evans & Rowlands, 2004; Horowitz & Reinhardt, 2000). In a study of the community-travel habits and perceptions of a sample of 32 visually impaired elderly people and their sighted peers, Long and colleagues (1996) reported infrequent independent travel in the community among those with vision loss. In addition, the vast majority of these respondents with visual impairment (75 percent) were relatively dissatisfied with their ability to travel independently and with the number of opportunities they had to leave their homes in comparison with their sighted peers.

http://www.allbusiness.com/government/health-regulations/4106237-1.html

Noncorrectable vision problems associated with shorter lifespan in older adults

This link discusses the article from the Archives of Ophthalmology that shows that walking and a vision impairment in older adults increases risk. But, does not complete the thought and suggest that older adults can be spared these risks if they were to obtain a cane and O&M instruction.

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/noncorrectable-vision-problems-associated-shorter-lifespan-older-adults-26127.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogrssfeed+%28Science+Blog%29

Lack of licensure of Orientation and Mobility means Lack of Access to Orientation and Mobility

I came across a very frustrating post yesterday about one person’s struggle with obtaining a cane and orientation and mobility instruction. A senior, not old enough for one program and not visually impaired for another – but  feeling the effects of the vision impairment.

http://asyourworldchanges.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/disabled-sorry-no-insurance-for-you/#comment-503

While some of the post grows weary with the “whine” factor – it is strong in pointing out the grievous discrimination against people with low vision in our country.